Serving & Learning H appenings

C O L L E G E o f E D U C A T I O N | S U M M E R 2 0 11
Happenings
Serving &
Learning
It’s a win-win situation.
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S U M M E R 2 0 11
Table of Contents
3
COVER story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
DEAN’S message. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serving & Learning
Cover Photo: Dani Grant, a student in
Dr. Sarah Edwards’ Urban Submersion class.
DEDICATED practitioners . . . . .
The College Loses 178 Years of Experience 6
4-9
Being an Envoy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Showcase of Teaching Event . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
REFLECTIVE scholars . . . . . . .
10-15
Edwards Named Alumni
Outstanding Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sponsored Programs Announces
New Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Faculty Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Grant Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
NBPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Contributing to Better Education . . . . . . . 14
Getting to Know You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
RESPONSIBLE citizens . . . . . .
16-17
Cameroon Book Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Did You Know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ALUMNI & students . . . . . . .
18-23
Searching for an Experience . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Taking an Adventure with Crosby . . . . . . . 18
Helping Those Who have Served. . . . . . . . 19
Jamie Scott Receives Honor . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Distinguished Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Alumni Receive Award Recognition . . . . . . 22
Undergraduate Major Award Winners . . . 22
Recent Grad Earns Fulbright . . . . . . . . . . 23
Photo courtesy of Tim Fitzgerald
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
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DEAN’S message
College of Education Special Undergraduate Dani Grant’s placard on the cover of this
issue of Happenings brings a bright and colorful message. She challenges teachers to
“BE THERE!” to “HELP KIDS CHOOSE SUCCESS & DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW—
EVERY DAY.”
In the college, we work to meet these goals and more-for our students and the students
and clients they may work with in the future. For example, the feature article highlights
the importance of the college community clinics that provide our students with real
life experiences at the same time they are serving others. “Every day” our student
clinicians are helping clients of all ages discover how to be successful.
Seven faculty members who were master professionals in helping students find success
retired this Spring. In one of our articles, you will learn more unique things about
these educators who served the college for a combined one hundred seventy-eight
years. The talents and experiences of these seven people remain a part of our legacy.
The Showcase of Teaching is a project that honors area teachers and encourages young
high school students to enter the education profession. The Showcase of Teaching has
been held annually for over twenty years.
A bright spot on the college horizon is the increased activity in seeking and receiving
grants that help further the college mission. Dr. Nick Stergiou has received a $547,164
grant to upgrade the Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility (NBCF). The NBCF works to
develop new strategies to improve the quality of life for persons of all ages.
We also recognize in this issue the 530 people who made financial contributions, both
large and small, during the past year to support the college and our mission. We are
very grateful for this generosity and recognize the responsibility that comes with the
faith that we will be good stewards of the resources.
A Fulbright Scholar’s upcoming Parkinson’s rehabilitation research project in Greece,
the annual recognition of outstanding alumni, and many other acknowledgements and
awards are recent happenings in the college that tell the story of individuals who have
“been there” for others.
Happenings is published
twice yearly by the
UNO College of Education
Roskens Hall 211
The future of the college is as bright as the cover of this issue of Happenings. We are
preparing for the move to the reconstructed Roskens Hall. We would like for you to
join us at our dedication on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
The move to Roskens Hall will provide us the opportunity to share with you the future
success stories of our students, faculty, and the community.
Sincerely,
Nancy Edick
Dean, College of Education
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68182-0161.
Co-Editors
Nancy Edick
David Conway
Writers
Ronald G. Burmood
and other contributors
Let us hear from you
(402) 554-2719
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S U M M E R 2 0 11
DEDICATED practitioners
Serving & Learning
It’s a win-win situation.
A student clinician works with a young client
If you want to see serving and
learning in action, you don’t
have to look far in the College of
Education. Over the past year over
270 individuals (or clients) were served
in one of the College of Education
clinics that provide quality services at
a low cost. And, College of Education
students receive valuable training.
Everyone benefits; it is a Win-Win
situation.
One parent of a young client in the
Speech Language Clinic wrote, “We hear
absolute improvement with our son’s
speech!” Another commented, “Very
professional, informative, and helpful.
This program has been very helpful for
my daughter.”
Students begin their training
experiences in a clinic situation
when they have completed a specific
coursework that prepares them to
work with clients. During the time the
students work with clients, they are
supervised by a faculty member or a
trained professional. The clinics include
Literacy Support Services; the
Community Counseling Clinic;
the Learning Disabilities Clinic;
and the Speech, Language, and
Hearing Clinic.
The clinics have evolved over a period of
time. For example, originally named the
Reading Clinic with services provided
in a clinic setting on the first f loor of
Kayser Hall, Literacy Support Services
now travels to nineteen public and
parochial schools in the Metropolitan
Omaha area. These services provided by
graduate students who are completing
their master’s degrees or endorsements
in reading include assessment,
evaluation, and instruction in reading
and writing. Forty-one elementary and
secondary students received services
during the 2009-2010 school year.
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
At the elementary level, graduate
students work with students twice a
week after school. Services include
strategies for decoding, comprehension,
vocabulary, f luency, and writing skills.
At the secondary level, tutoring
sessions are operated after school once
a week. Services include strategies for
vocabulary, comprehension, f luency,
note-taking, and studying with focus
on ways to use these strategies in the
student’s classes.
The Community Counseling Clinic
is located on the first level of the newly
renovated Roskens Hall with immediate
access through the north entrance.
Electronic observation equipment
allows clinic supervisors to observe
counseling sessions.
Services provided by the Counseling
Clinic include counseling related to
test anxiety, career counseling, anger
management, loss, family therapy,
and couples counseling. One hundred
fifty-four clients were served during the
2009-2010 school year. These clients
received a collective eight hundred
forty-seven hours of counseling
services.
Dr. David Carter, the faculty member
who oversees the clinic operation,
anticipates the new facility in Roskens
Hall will provide greater privacy for
clients in the clinic service area. He also
foresees the development of a focused
specialty for the clinic. Although the
clinic would have a specialty, clients
would continue to be served for other
issues.
Dr. Carter emphasizes that the UNO
Counseling program is Council for the
Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP)
accredited. There are only two such
programs in Nebraska, with the other
program at the University of Nebraska
at Kearney. And, the UNO program
is the only one accredited in School
Counseling.
A current client in the clinic wrote: “I
was very impressed by the professional
behavior and attitude demonstrated by
my counselor in the clinic. I am in the
process of learning new ways to cope
with stressful situations in my current
life and my counselor has the knowledge
to help me see how dysfunctional my
behavior in the past has been. I have
only good things to say about the help
that I have received at UNO.”
Carter visualizes the new facility will
provide an opportunity to enhance the
marketing of clinic services to more
University students. Members of the
public will also have more convenient
access through the North entrance.
The Speech, Language, and
Hearing Clinic is located on the fifth
Floor of Roskens Hall overlooking
Memorial Park. The mission of the
clinic in the newly renovated space will
not change, but the facility provides
considerably more privacy for clients
and more space to carry out the clinic
functions.
The Speech, Language, and Hearing
Clinic offers diagnostic and therapeutic
services for language, articulation/
phonology, accent modification,
f luency, voice, aural rehabilitation,
and some augmentative/alternative
communication. In other words, the
faculty supervised student provides
assessment, prescription, and
implementation services to the client.
They engage with the client in face to
face assessment and intervention.
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Ms. Kathy Miklas, the Speech,
Language, and Hearing Clinic
coordinator, reported, “The professional
and technical growth of students is
evident as they progress in the clinic
environment.” She further stated,
“Community partners report that our
students are very well prepared for their
externship experiences.” Miklas also
indicated that our students learn so
much from our community partners.
The clinic is an approved Nebraska
Department Service Provider and
maintains a professional clinical
atmosphere. Client/parent responses to
surveys addressing service satisfaction
result in an unbelievable 100% of the
respondents reporting that they would
agree or strongly agree that clinic
personnel were sensitive and responsive
to the parent, client or spouse.
The Speech, Language, and Hearing
Clinic usually has twenty-five to thirty
more applications on file than they
can serve at a given time. Current
clients continue receiving services and
vacancies open when the service is
complete or the client moves to another
provider. Clients who may have a unique
disorder that would provide a special
learning situation for students are given
priority in receiving services.
The clinic works cooperatively with the
Munroe Meyer Institute, the Omaha
Public Schools, and Brookstone Village
that all provide learning opportunities
for students. In addition, the Creighton
Medical School Occupational Therapy
Program is involved in a cooperative
relationship that involves research
and training for students from both
programs.
see CLINIC on page 9
STEM faculty and staff in Roskens Hall
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S U M M E R 2 0 11
Dedicated practitioners
Left to Right: Kenneth Smith, Melodee Landis, Joseph Bertinetti, Jarene Fluckiger,
Jeannette Seaberry, David Corbin, James Dick, with Dean Nancy Edick
The College Loses 178 years of Experience
Seven College of Education faculty
members with degrees from universities
in ten different states ranging from the
southwest to the northeast and who had
a collective 178 years of experience at
UNO retired at the end of the year. They
grew up in places as remote as Gallup,
New Mexico, and as densely populated
as Chicago, Illinois. They were familiar
with Native American trading posts and
the Merchandise Mart.
Their academic talents will be missed in
the classroom, in faculty committee
meetings, and by the students who have
sought them out for counsel and
conversation. They will also be missed
personally.
Their collective interests and talents
are varied. Imagine the following:
•
Being able to speak Navaho, Zuni,
Italian, German and English;
•
Having experience as a singer
and guitar player in several
states, several countries,
and on cruise ships;
•
Taking multiple trips to Eastern
Europe, especially the Ukraine;
•
Using your singing and
guitar playing talents in the
classroom, and also being a
good cook and gardener;
•
Sewing your own daughter’s
wedding dress;
•
Being an expert genealogist; and
•
Performing in the Baby Needs
Shoes trio, the Alligator
String Choir, and starring
in community playhouse
productions as an actress.
The retirees included:
Joseph Bertinetti earned his
doctorate from the University of New
Mexico and a law degree from Creighton
University. He earned his master’s
degree from the University of Texas at
El Paso. He has served as an associate
professor in the Counseling Department
and began at UNO in the summer of
1973.
David Corbin earned his doctorate
from the University of Pittsburgh. His
bachelor’s degree is from the University
of New Mexico, and his master’s degree
is from the University of Toledo. Dr.
Corbin served as a professor in the
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
School of Health, Physical Education
and Recreation specializing in
Health Education and the promotion
of healthy lifestyles. He began at
UNO in the Fall of 1980.
James Dick earned his doctorate
from Indiana University. His
bachelor’s and master’s degrees are
both from Ball State University. A
professor in the Teacher Education
Department, Dr. Dick was especially
instrumental in economic education.
He began at UNO in the Fall of 1977.
Jarene Fluckiger earned her
doctorate from the University of
Wyoming. Her bachelor’s degree was
from Brigham Young University, and
her master’s degree was earned from
Utah State University. Dr. Fluckiger
served as a professor in the Teacher
Education Department and was a
key faculty member in the
development of literacy assessments
and teaching strategies. She began at
UNO in the Fall of 1996.
Jeannette Seaberry earned her
doctorate from the University of
Nebraska Lincoln. Her bachelor’s
Melodee Landis and Jarene Fluckiger
degree was from the University of
Illinois Champaign-Urbana, and her
master’s degree was earned from the
Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr.
Seaberry was a professor in the
Counseling Department beginning
in the Fall of 1996.
Kenneth Smith earned his
doctorate from Loyola University of
Chicago. His master’s degree was
from the University of Chicago, and
his bachelor’s degree from the
University of New Hampshire. Ken
served as an Associate Professor in
the Teacher Education Department
with a focus on Early Childhood
Education. Dr. Smith began at UNO
in the Fall of 1982.
Melodee Landis earned her
doctor’s, her master’s and her
bachelor’s degrees from the
University of Nebraska Lincoln. Dr.
Landis served as an Associate
Professor in the Teacher Education
Department with a focus on
technology and distance education.
She began her career in the College
of Education in the Spring of 1995.
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Being an Envoy
Every student is one. But, the search is
on for students who will serve a formal
role as an Envoy for the College of
Education. The students will assist in
the promotion of the field of education
and the college to prospective students
and their parents. They will also
provide a variety of other services.
The lengthy list of possible
Envoy involvement includes:
•
Assist with College of Education
tours for prospective students
and follow up via telephone calls
and E-mails as requested;
•
Provide assistance at College of
Education and campus-wide events;
•
Represent the College at college
fairs, open house events, and
new student orientations;
•
Serve on the Dean’s Student
Advisory Committee.
The Envoys will participate in
specific training sessions for being
an Envoy and will also attend the
UNO Student Ambassador training
session during the summer. Envoys
will receive a $500.00 scholarship
for each semester of involvement in
the program. They will commit to a
minimum of 40 hours per semester.
The first two students to serve as
Envoys were Sarahi Real y Vasquez
and Amanda Fitch. Sarahi was a
sophomore majoring in Elementary
Education. Amanda was a junior also
majoring in Elementary Education
with a Spanish endorsement. Both
Envoys aspire to continue as Envoys
during the 2011-2012 school year.
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S U M M E R 2 0 11
Dedicated practitioners
Students in Mindy Podraza’s session are simulating how
Michelangelo worked as he painted ceilings
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
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Showcase of
Teaching Event
One hundred eighty nine students from fourteen schools
in the Metropolitan Omaha area gathered March 15th in
the Milo Bail Student Center for the annual Showcase of
Teaching event sponsored by the College of Education
and the UNO Phi Delta Kappa Chapter. Principals from
the area nominated prospective Showcase Teachers.
The teachers chosen for the honor this year included:
•
Rose Bernstein, Kiewit Middle School, Millard,
Family and Consumer Science Teacher
•
Cathy Black, West Dodge Station Elementary School,
Elkhorn, First Grade Reading and Writing Teacher
•
Josie Ebert, Westside Middle School,
Westside, Mathematics Teacher
•
Shelly Madsen, Ezra Millard Elementary School,
Millard, Special Education Teacher
•
Mindy Podraza, Ralston Middle School,
Ralston, Social Studies Teacher
•
Simon Rohde, Millard North High School,
Millard, Social Studies Teacher
•
Keri Witherall, Lewis and Clark Middle
School, Omaha, Mathematics Teacher.
Showcase teachers modeled teaching and shared with
students why they chose to enter the teaching profession.
For example, Mindy Podraza, Ralston Middle School,
focused on methods to keep pre-teens interested in ancient
world history. She identified four key ingredients in a great
classroom as being: fun, freedom, worth, and belonging.
Each student attending Showcase could chose the four
sessions of presentations to attend. Two students who
attended the event were chosen to receive $250 Scholarships
from the UNO PDK Chapter. The students were: Shanice
Cushinberry from Omaha Bryan High School; and
Cecilia Abbey from Omaha Central High School.
Middle school client and a student clinician
from CLINIC, page 5
Kellie Brink, a speech pathology student, wrote: “My
clinical experience at the UNO Speech-LanguageHearing Clinic has provided me opportunities to work
with a variety of individuals with communication needs
from our community. These experiences have given me
the chance to apply course content to real-life situations
and have developed my ability to make clinical
decisions as a speech- language pathology candidate.”
The Learning Disabilities Clinic is also located on
the Fifth Floor of Roskens Hall. This clinic provides
one-on-one services for school-age children who are
experiencing academic difficulties. Graduate students
who are working on an endorsement in the area of
learning disabilities complete assessments, design
academic interventions, and monitor the progress of
their client. Collaboration is an integral part of the
Learning Disabilities Clinic with graduate students
from special education, school psychology and speechlanguage pathology working together to provide the
best services possible.
Comments from the parent survey include: “You work
on difficulties, but continue to realize that the child
has strengths. You bring new learning ideas to the
table.” “(The clinic uses) goals and rewards as well as
little breaks to keep kids interested in what they are
doing. They don’t know they are learning, they just
think they’re having fun. My daughter loved her ‘college
class.’”
The new spaces at Roskens Hall will provide many
exciting new serving and learning opportunities for our
students and clients. We look forward to many winning
experiences.
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REFLECTIVE scholars
Edwards Named Alumni
Outstanding Teacher
Sarah K. Edwards (TED) received the College of Education Alumni Outstanding
Teaching Award for 2011 at the Faculty Honors Convocation Breakfast on April 7.
Edwards’ primary expertise is secondary literacy and culturally responsive teaching.
Dr. Edwards organizes the College of Education Culture Walks that provide students
and faculty opportunities to learn about the many cultures within the Metropolitan
Omaha area. She is also co-founder of the Metropolitan English Teacher Link (MET
Link).
Sarah K. Edwards, Teacher Eduation
A peer committee selects the annual winner of this award. In addition to being
recognized as the outstanding teacher of the year in the College of Education, Edwards
also received a commemorative tablet and a $1,000 award from the UNO Alumni
Association.
Sarah was a member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha class.
Her peers selected her as the classmate most likely to make a difference.
Sponsored Programs
Announces New Awards
Faculty
Promotions
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research recently announced awards to Dr.
Jennifer Huberty, and to Ms. Jennifer Yentes. Huberty’s award was received from
Alegent Health. Yentes’ award was from the American Alliance for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD).
Senior Vice Chancellor Terry Hynes
announced several faculty promotions
and tenure appointments in early
May. The College of Education faculty
members included:
> Evangelina Brignoni Teacher
Education, awarded tenure and
promotion to Associate Professor
> Kay Keiser Educational
Administration and Supervision,
awarded tenure and promotion
to Associate Professor
> David Carter Counseling,
promoted to Professor
> Sarah Edwards Teacher Education,
promoted to Professor
Dr. Huberty will study the degree to which pregnant females seek internet information
related to health behaviors (eating and physical activity). As part of her study she will
work to identify the informational content the women seek, the internet delivery mode
the women prefer, and will then develop an internet based intervention to help improve
participation and eating behaviors during and after pregnancy.
Ms. Yentes was awarded the Graduate Student Investigator’s Award. The goal of her
project will be to investigate whether or not walking abnormalities exist in patients
with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yentes reports that COPD patients
may complain of breathlessness and lung dysfunction; however 40% complain of
muscle fatigue. She is interested in seeing if walking differences exist between these
two groups and whether or not we can restore normal walking patterns.
We congratulate these faculty members
and appreciate their contributions in
the classroom and the community.
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
Grant Activity
The pace has picked up. Fifty-eight grants had been
submitted for funding by May 24, 2011. The previous
record number of grant submissions in a fiscal year was
forty-six in 2009. This effort ref lects an added emphasis
on grant seeking to help support and extend the college
efforts in research, programs, student opportunities,
and collaboration with our school partners.
Dr. Nick Stergiou, serving in an additional role of Coordinator
of Research and Creative Activity, has provided regular
meetings and sessions for faculty members to help support
their grant writing. Collectively, the grant applications propose
activity in the areas of health; robotics; the teaching of
English; writing; multi-cultural experiences; recreation; and
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
If funded, the grants will support training for practicing
educators, the development of and dissemination of
curriculum, improving libraries, additional research in
several areas, health promotion, and increasing student and
faculty multi-cultural experiences. For example, a grant
submitted on May 13 proposes to use $547,164 to upgrade the
Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facilty. This grant, submitted
by Dr. Stergiou, addresses the need to continually update
existing research facilities to assure quality results.
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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GRANT SUBMISSIONS (IN D
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GRANT SUBMISSIONS (in dollars)
FY 2001 – 2011 (as of March 16, 2011)
FY 2001 - 2011 (as of March 16, 2011)
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GRANT SUBMISSIONS (NUMB
EDUCATION
GRANT
(number)
FYCOLLEGE
2001 – OF
2011
(as of March
16,SUBMISSIONS
2011)
FY 2001 - 2011 (as of March 16, 2011)
The applications are submitted to foundations; organizations;
and Federal, State, and Local governments. Also,
several grants are developed in cooperation with other
institutions, such as the University of Nebraska Lincoln,
and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
NBPTS
Seven area teachers who participated in the MOEC Cohort
group in preparation for applying for National Board of
Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification
were successful in their efforts. Those receiving the
distinction included Lori Umstead, Kathi Smith, and
Samantha Morrissey of the Millard Public Schools; Linda
Wood and Lise Wagner of the Omaha Public Schools, and
Judy Stucky and Beth Leach of the Westside Community
Schools. These teachers and others enrolled in the
program were honored at a reception on April 14, 2011.
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1 2 S U M M E R 2 0 11
College of Education
DEAN’S CLUB ($5,000+)
SILVER CENTURY CLUB ($250-$499)
First National Bank • Mr. J. William Gallup
• George F. Haddix, Ph.D. • Mrs. Carole J.
Langan • Mr. Bruce R. Lauritzen • Mr. & Mrs.
Jack A. MacAllister • Mr. John P. Nelson
• Mrs. Dorothy H. Peters • Mr. Thomas J.
Samek • Silverstone Group • Simon Charitable
Foundation • Dr. & Mrs. Timothy O. Wahl
Mrs. Mary Kay Bret • Mr. & Mrs. Matthew
T. Byrne • Dr. & Mrs. Alex D. Cooper • Mr.
Stephen J. Czick • Mr. & Mrs. Timothy
Dunning • Mr. Larry F. Frum • Dr. & Mrs.
Neal F. Grandgenett • Dr. & Mrs. Roy Guse •
Dr. John W. Hill & Ms. Tommie C. Parker •
Mr. Daniel F. Klepper • Dr. & Mrs. Edward J.
Klima • Mr. & Mrs. William Macintosh • Mr.
Pankaj Mathur • Mr. Boris C. Moore • Mr. &
Mrs. Robert E. Myers • Dr. & Mrs. Philip D.
Nordness • Mrs. Linda L. O’hare • Mr. & Mrs.
Frank L. Partsch • Mr. & Mrs. G. Richard
Russell • Mr. & Mrs. William J. Schaffer •
Becky B. Schnabel, Ed.D. • Ms. Margaret
Timmerman • Mrs. Susan K. Verburg • Mr.
Justin Vise • Dr. Gail Walling Yanney & Mr.
Michael Yanney • Mr. & Mrs. Gary K. Witt
WALL OF HONOR ($1,000-$4,999)
Mr. Bill B. Beavers • Dr. & Mrs. Daniel J.
Blanke • Dr. & Mrs. Ronald G. Burmood • Mr.
& Mrs. Warren Christie • William & Silvia
Conley • Dr. & Mrs. David F. Conway • Dr.
David E. Corbin & Prof. Josie Metal-Corbin •
Lana M. Danielson, Ph.D. • Mr. & Mrs. J. Tim
Daugherty • Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey J. David • Mr.
& Mrs. Sid Dinsdale • Mr. & Mrs. William F.
Dyer • Dr. & Mrs. Dave Felber • Mr. & Mrs. Tom
Fellman • Jerry L. Fischer, M.D., Ph.D. • Mrs.
Alice Frampton Dittman • Mr. & Mrs. Calvin
L. German • Drs. Scott & Judith Harrington •
Terry Hynes, Ph.D. • Mr. John W. Jobst, III •
Mr. & Mrs. R. William Johnston • Mr. & Mrs.
Mike D. Jones • Mr. & Mrs. Howard M. Kooper
• Mrs. Linda J. Krause • Mr. George J. Kubat •
Mr. James Kubinak • Mr. Michael J. Langan •
Mr. & Mrs. Clarkson D. Lauritzen • Dr. & Mrs.
John J. Mackiel • Ms. Kathleen A. McGuire
• Mr. & Mrs. Stephen A. McWilliams • Drs.
William L. & Kathleen Oleson Lyons • Omaha
Schools Foundation • Ms. Beverly M. Petersen
• Mr. & Mrs. Steve Pitlor • Ms. Nancy Rodene
• Mr. Clark A. Rosenlof • Mr. & Mrs. Frederick
J. Simon • Dr. Robert Kreitner & Ms. Margaret
A. Sova • Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Stergiou • Dr. &
Mrs. Stanley M. Truhlsen • Mr. & Mrs. David
U. Van Metre • Mrs. Marjorie C. Wahl • Mr.
& Mrs. Robert L. Whitehouse • Mr. Jeffery
S. Wiles • Mark E. Wilson, M.D. • Dr. & Mrs.
Raymond Ziebarth
GOLD CENTURY CLUB ($500-$999)
Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Addy • Ms. Kathleen
R. Beckman • Dr. & Mrs. William L. Blizek •
Mr. Patrick Cavanaugh • Kristine DohrmanSwain, Ph.D. • Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Edick •
Drs. Dennis F. & LaDonna V. Flood • Mr.
Andrew Gaylor • Senator & Mrs. Burke Harr
• Mr. & Mrs. Jim P. Hassenstab • Karen L.
Hayes, Ed.D. • Ms. Mary Ann Holland •
Ms. Ann E. Luther • Mr. & Mrs. Murray H.
Newman • Mr. Todd Reiser • Mr. Clark A.
Rosenlof
BRONZE CENTURY CLUB ($100-$249)
Mrs. Lindsey Bavari • Dr. Gigi Brignoni • Mr.
Nick Caporale • Mr. John Cavanaugh • Dr.
James Dick • Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gaylor • Mr.
& Mrs. Brian Harr • Mr. John & Dr. Karen
Heil • Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Hein • Mr. & Mrs.
David Jacobson • Pastor & Mrs. William Koe •
Mrs. Lindsey Landholm • Mr. & Mrs. Vincent
Lenz • Ms. Regan Mackintosh • Mr. & Mrs.
David Melliger • Mr. Bill Oakes • Mr. & Mrs.
Jay Pilkington • Dr. Mitzi Ritzman • Mr. &
Mrs. Hank Sakowski • Mr. Daniel Stockman
• Dr. & Mrs. Ronald W. Roskens • Mr. Joseph
J. Rupp • Jill A. Russell, Ph.D. • Mr. & Mrs.
Michael A. Rzewnicki • Mrs. & Mr. Janice L.
Schleisman • Mr. David M. & Dr. Laura E.
Schulte • Barbara M. Schweiger, Ph.D. • Mr. &
Mrs. Jaey L. Sedlacek • Mr. Parker L. Shipley,
J.D. & Dr. Velma C. Shipley, Ph.D. • Mr. D.
David Slosburg • Mr. Richard H. Slosburg •
Mr. Stanley J. Slosburg • Mrs. Karyl L. Smith
• Janette L. Sodoro, Ph.D. • Mrs. Karen K.
Springer • Mr. Michael Stek, Jr. • Mr. Rory
T. Sudbeck • Jeanne L. Surface, Ph.D. • Mr.
Chi W. Tan • Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Tinnes •
Ms. Elizabeth F. TJaden • Mrs. Susan Toberer
• Mr. & Mrs. Steven D. Totten • Mr. & Mrs.
Michael D. Walter • Dr. & Mrs. Ronald L. Wax
• Mr. & Mrs. John Wallace Webster • Mr. &
Mrs. Robert W. Welk • Rachel Wise, Ph.D. •
Mrs. Shirley Wotherspoon • Mr. Clayton A.
Wulf
CONTRIBUTOR (up to $99)
Mr. Samuel Addy • Robert W. Abel, Ed.D. •
Ms. Megan Addy • Mr. & Mrs. Harlan L. Aden
• Mr. William Ady • Dr. & Mrs. James Akers •
Mrs. Joan C. Allen • Mr. Gary S. Anderson •
Mrs. Vickie A. Anderson • Mr. Allan
Armbruster • Mr. Bryan Arnold • Mrs. Caryn
L. Bacchiocchi • Prof. & Mrs. Bruce P. Baker II
• Mr. & Mrs. James Baker • Mrs. Rose Baker •
Ms. Barbara J. Bakhit • Ms. Sharon Ballenger
• Ms. Lynette M. Barnes • Paul E. Barnes,
Ph.D. • Mrs. Janet L. Bass • Mr. Cletus Baum •
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent E. Bazemore • Mr.
Frederick Bender • Mr. Ryan Bennett • Dr.
Kris E. Berg & Mrs. Carolyn M. Berg • Mrs.
Kristin M. Berg • Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Bernier
• Mr. & Mrs. Jerry F. Bexten • Mr. Willard
Blanke • Ms. Elaine L. Blickenstaff • Mr. Mike
Bogard • Mr. Michael E. Boltin • Dr. & Mrs.
Tim Borstelmann • Mr. Benjamin Bowder •
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce C. Bowen • Mr. & Mrs. Gary
R. Bowen • Mrs. Mabel J. Boyd • Mr. Tom C.
Boyer • Mr. Jonathan Bradford • Drs. Robert
E. & M. Martha Bruckner • Mrs. Alice I. & Mr.
Roger H. Bunz • Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E.
Burchard • Mr. Freeman B. Burns • Mr.
Robert A. Cairns • Mr. & Mrs. Robert P.
Callahan • Mr. & Mrs. William R. Campbell •
Mr. Jon D. Carey • Ms. Barbara J. Carlson •
Mr. & Mrs. John D. Carpenter • Dr. Michael
Carroll & Ms. Linda Marchello • Ms. Debra L.
Carson • Ms. Gayle Carstens • David J. Carter,
Ph.D. • Mr. & Mrs. William J. Carver • Mr. &
Mrs. Don J. Catlin • Mrs. Linda A. Chapman •
Mr. Michael Chappy • Mr. Jung Hung Chieu •
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Chisholm • Mr. William A.
& Dr. Cathy J. Christensen • Dr. Fabien
Cignetti • Mr. James E. Codr • Mrs. Gail E.
Cody • Dr. Jason D. Coleman • Ms. Linda P.
Coleman • Mr. Thomas P. Colgate • Mr.
Herman Colvin • Mr. James M. Conway • Ms.
Marian Coppola • Margaret A. Corkle, Ed.D. •
Ms. Amy Crawford • Mr. & Mrs. John P.
Curran, Sr. • Ms. Catherine Cuva • Mrs. Judy
Dappen • Mr. & Mrs. Scott J. Darling • Mr.
Robert K. & Dr. Patricia David Davis • Dr.
Leslie M. Decker • Miss Debra J. Denbeck •
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Denton • Mr. Nathan P.
Dickerson • Mrs. Linda L. DiGiacomo • Mrs.
Ruth A. Domack • Ms. Susan K. Drain • Ms.
Wanda R. Duff • Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Duffy •
Ms. Peggy J. Dugick • Mrs. Mary A. Durrie •
Ms. Barbara Eastham • Ms. Jordan Edick &
Mr. M. Peterson • Ms. Jean M. Ehrenberg •
Mr. & Mrs. John C. Emery • Mr. & Mrs. Melvin
B. Engler • Mr. Phillip Epperson • Ms. Diane
Estes • James E. Felten, Ed.D. • Ms. Marian
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ducation contributors
from April 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011
Fey • Mr. & Mrs. Walter Fichter • Dr. & Mrs.
Robert J. Fonda • Dr. & Ms. T. J. Formanack •
Jeffrey A. French • Mr. Thomas A. Frette •
Ms. Linda Frey • Mr. Sanford L. Friedman •
Ms. Mary L. Gallo • Dr. Wilfred R. Gartner,
Jr. • Mr. & Mrs. William H. Gaube • Mrs.
Judith E. Gaylor • Mrs. Kristy Gilbert • Mr. &
Mrs. Ken J. Gilreath • Ms. Roberta Ginavan •
Mrs. Kathy M. Glow • Mr. Leonard D.
Goldstein • Mrs. Joanne Grabill • Ms. Kay
Grant • Mrs. M. Amy Green • Prof. Sonia R.
Green • Mrs. Rachel L. Greene • Mr. Robert
Gross • Mr. & Mrs. Ronald W. Grummert • Mr.
John P. Gudenrath • Mr. Bruce & Dr. Patricia
A. Hageman • Mr. & Mrs. Howard J. Halperin
• Mr. Fritz Hammans • Mrs. Rose Hanna •
Mrs. Tanya M. Hanson • Mrs. Jeannie L.
Hardy • Mr. Eugene M. Harkins • Mr. A.
Dewitt & Dr. Margery A. Harouff • Ms. Carol
J. Harpenau • Mr. Gregory A. Harr • Ms.
Mabel A. Harrison • Mr. Ryan Hasenkamp •
Ms. Betty Hawkins • Mr. Joshua L. Haworth •
Mr. Bruce K. Hayden, Jr. • Miss Linda S.
Heibel • Mrs. Martha Helligso • Mr. & Mrs.
Thomas A. Helligso • Mrs. Janie S. Herrick •
Ms. Shari Hess • Mrs. Lora R. Hillman • Ms.
Nancy V. Hornstein • Mr. & Mrs. Bernie
Hospodka • Mr. W. Craig Howell & Dr.
Deborah Smith-Howell • Mr. Chun-Kai Huang
• Mr. Neil Huben • Mr. Nathaniel Hunt • Ms.
Nancy Williams Huston • Mr. & Mrs. George
M. Ireland • Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Irlbeck • Mr.
& Mrs. John E. Jensen • Ms. Mary Jirak • Mr.
Howard Johnson • Mrs. Gail R. Jones • Mr. &
Mrs. James E. Jones • Mr. John L. Joseph •
Ms. Emily Jung • Mr. Jeffrey P. Kaipust • Mrs.
Donna L. Kallhoff • Ms. Susan M. Katelman •
Mrs. Sandra J. Kay • Ms. Jeannine K. Kean •
Mr. Joseph J. Kehm • Mrs. Denise M. Keithley
• Mr. & Mrs. Thomas O. Kelley • Ms. Julie B.
Kemp • Mr. Michael O. Kemp • Mrs. Deborah
Kenny • Mr. & Mrs. Clemm C. Kessler, III •
Mrs. Dianne Kielniarz • Dr. & Mrs. Timothy
K. Kingston • Ms. Mona L. King-Ward • Ms.
Betty L. Kizlin • Mr. & Mrs. Henry Klauschie
• Mr. Donald J. Kleine • Mr. Patrick C.
Knowles • Mr. & Mrs. Lynn A. Knudtson •
Mrs. Connie L. Kollasch • Mr. Austin Korgan
• Mr. & Mrs. Harold B. Kosowsky • Mr.
Panagiotis Koutakis • Mr. Glenn Krabbenhoft
• Mr. & Mrs. Mark D. Kratina • Mrs. Kathy J.
Kreifels • Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Krepela • Mr.
Aaron W. Krueger • Mr. Rick Kubat • Mr. &
Mrs. Gary L. Kubik • Wilma Kuhlman, Ph.D. •
Mrs. Rose M. Kwitkoski • Mary Ann Lamanna,
Ph.D. • Mr. David M. & Dr. Melodee A. Landis
• Dr. & Mrs. Paul M. Landow • Mr. & Mrs.
Randal Langdon • Mrs. Robert Langson • Mr.
Steve Leaders • Mr. Paul W. Lehn • Jr. • Ms.
Mildred E. Hodges-Lemon • Ms. Karen F.
Levin • Mrs. Pamela L. Lindsey • Mr. & Mrs.
John H. Little • Mr. & Mrs. James A. Love •
Mrs. Debra M. Lucas • Ms. Nancy Lund • Mrs.
Mary L. Lusby • Mr. Dan Macmillan • Mr. &
Mrs. Paul D. Maginn • Mrs. Jody M. Malashock
• Dr. & Mrs. Stanley J. Maliszewski • Mr. &
Mrs. Donald G. Mandel • Ms. Kathryn
Thornton Manes • Ms. Cherri M. Mankenberg
• Ms. Carita Mann • Mr. & Ms. David E.
Mannering • Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Marburg • Mr.
Rob Marcuzzo • Mr. Kamali Marsh • Ms.
Kathleen H. Martin • Mr. & Mrs. Mark
Martinez • Ms. Nancy Matsukis • Mr. & Mrs.
John S. McCollister • Mr. Wendell
McConnahay • Mrs. Carol F. McCormack •
Mr. Patrick R. McDermott • Melanie L.
McGrath, Ph.D. • Ms. Renee Mead • Harrison
J. Means, Ph.D. • Mrs. Rebecca L. Means • Mr.
& Mrs. Charlie T. Medinger • Dr. & Mrs.
Orville D. Menard • Mr. & Mrs. Merrill F.
Messbarger • Dr. Sara Myers • Mrs. Vi Michael
• Ms. Christie Miller • Mrs. Joyce L. Miller •
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn E. Moberg • Mr. James D. &
Dr. Mary Pat Moeller • Mr. & Mrs. John A.
Moore • Dr. & Mrs. Michael J. Morrison • Mr.
& Mrs. James E. Morton • Ms. Barbara J.
Mraz • Dr. Mukul Mukherjee • Mrs. Sara
Myers • Ms. Linda J. Nelson • Mrs. Patricia
Nelson • Dr. & Mrs. John M. Newton • Dr. &
Mrs. Stephen M. Nielsen • Dr. & Mrs. Michael
Nuschy • Mr. William G. Ochsner • Mr. James
W. O’laughlin • Hon. Robert B. O’Neal & Ms.
Karla R. Rupiper • Mr. & Mrs. Rony E. Ortega
• Mr. Victor Palma • Ms. Julia Parker • Dr. M.
Kaye Parnell • Ms. Rebecca J. Pasco • Ms. S.
Julie Peterson • Ms. Lana M. Pleak • Mr. &
Mrs. Chad Plumb • Mrs. Priscilla A. Powell •
Mrs. Phyllis E. Preuss • Mrs. Laura J. Pribyl •
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Price • Dr. & Ms. Trent
W. Quinlan • Mrs. Sharon F. Quittner • Mr.
Robert F. Raikes • Mr. & Mrs. Richard W.
Ramm • Ms. Elizabeth Rea • Mr. Sean Rensch
• Mr. Clyde Richards • Mr. & Mrs. Martin C.
Ricks • Ms. Marti R. Rosen-Atherton • Mr. &
Ms. Robert Royal • Mr. Howard Rudloff • Ms.
C. Jane Rumbaugh • Mr. & Mrs. Robert S.
Runyon • Mrs. Tamara L. Sackett • Mr. & Mrs.
Dale W. Salzman • Mrs. Janet L. Sauter • Mr.
& Mrs. Roger H. Schauss • Mr. John A.
Scheifelbein, II • Mr. David R. Schinzel • Mrs.
Marilyn Schmidt • Mr. Richard Schmidt •
Mrs. Susan E. Schnase • Mr. Leslie & Dr.
Merryellen Towey Schulz • Jeannette S.
Seaberry, Ph.D. • Ms. D. K. Seal • Harsha
Sharma • Ms. Donna M. Shearer • Mrs. Susan
Sieczkowski • Dr. & Mrs. Gerald B. Simons •
Dr. Ka-Chun Siu • Mr. Scott Sladek • Dr.
Dustin Slivka • Mrs. Cheryl C. Smith • Ms.
Helen V. Smith • Mr. & Mrs. Reynold S. Smith
• Mrs. Dorothy Spizman • Ms. Elizabeth W.
Jones • Mr. & Mrs. Frank E. Stanek • Mrs.
Joyce P. Stark • Ms. Denise E. Stek • Ms. Anne
C. Stockmann • Ms. Lorraine K. Street • Dr.
Donald L. & Mrs. Ramona J. Stroh • Ms.
Sharon Struve • Donald & Brenda Summerside
• Mrs. Claire Sundrup • Mr. & Mrs. Daniel
Sweetwood • Dr. & Mrs. James A. Tangdall •
Mrs. Laurie A. Taylor • Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Tesar
• Mr. James & Dr. Nancy Thomas • Mrs. Janet
K. Thrasher • Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Trumbauer
• Ms. Barbara Turbes • Utman Farms • Srikant
Vallabhajosula, Ph.D. • Mr. David Van Zant •
Mr. & Mrs. C. L. Vice • Mrs. Coleen M. Vincent
• Mr. & Mrs. Erik P. Wagner • Dr. & Mrs.
William O. Wakefield • Mrs. Elizabeth A.
Wallace • Ms. Kathleen Wallerstedt • Ms.
Patricia Watts • Mr. & Mrs. Rick A. Weidner •
Mr. & Mrs. James D. Welch • Mr. Stuart A.
Westphal • Mrs. Jodi L. Weyhrich • Mr. Dan
A. Whipkey • Mr. Matthew Whittle • Mr. &
Mrs. Matthew Wickham • Dr. & Mrs. Dan L.
Wilcox • Ms. Debra L. Wilcox • Mr. & Mrs.
Stephen K. Wild • Mrs. Carol E. Wilson • Mr.
Andrew Witt • Mr. Daniel E. Witt • Mrs. Katie
T. Witt • Dr. & Mrs. Ronald L. Witt • Mrs.
Nancy Wulf • Mr. Shane R. Wurdeman • Mr.
Donald Yanke • Mr. & Mrs. Maurice E. Yearout
• Ms. Jennifer Yentes • Mr. & Mrs. Harold M.
Zabin • Mrs. Molly Zabrowski • Mrs. Patricia
ZiemkowskiWallerstedt • Ms. Patricia Watts •
Mr. & Mrs. Rick A. Weidner • Mr. & Mrs.
James D. Welch • Mr. Stuart A. Westphal •
Mrs. Jodi L. Weyhrich • Mr. Dan A. Whipkey •
Mr. Matthew Whittle • Dr. & Mrs. Dan L.
Wilcox • Ms. Debra L. Wilcox • Mr. & Mrs.
Stephen K. Wild • Mrs. Carol E. Wilson • Mr.
Daniel E. Witt • Mrs. Katie T. Witt • Dr. &
Mrs. Ronald L. Witt • Mrs. Nancy Wulf • Mr.
Shane R. Wurdeman • Mr. Donald Yanke • Mr.
& Mrs. Maurice E. Yearout • Ms. Jennifer
Yentes • Mr. & Mrs. Harold M. Zabin • Mrs.
Molly Zabrowski • Mrs. Patricia Ziemkowskii
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1 4 S U M M E R 2 0 11
Contributing
to Better
Education
Let us think of education as the means
of developing our greatest abilities,
because in each of us there is a private
hope and dream which, fulfilled, can
be translated into benefit for everyone
and greater strength for our nation. —
John F. Kennedy
During the 2010-2012 school year
there were many individuals who chose
to make a financial contribution to
Gail Yanney, Julie Hefflinger, Dick Holland and Mike Yanney
support the education of someone they
may never get to know. The support
included direct assistance for students
in terms of scholarships, support for faculty, educational materials, and facilities. The
value of the contributions covered a wide range, but all were significant in helping
students develop their greatest abilities.
In early June, College of Education Department of Counseling Alumnus Julie
Heff linger was surprised by an announcement that was made during a dinner
recognizing her retirement as president of the Partnership For Our Kids. The
announcement informed those present that a professorship had been established in
her honor. The professorship is funded by commitments totaling $250,000 from her
friends and colleagues who wanted to honor her for her service to disadvantaged young
people in our community.
The Julie Heff linger Professorship will be held by a College of Education Department
of Counseling faculty member who shows outstanding teaching and research ability,
academic promise, and interest and expertise in mentoring, working with at-risk
youth and school counseling. Michael Yanney, a member of the board of Partnership
For Our Kids was quoted, “She (Julie Heff linger) has an unbelievable passion to help
disadvantaged kids. And she knows how to execute that passion with great excellence.”
The Heff linger Professorship promotes the effort to train additional counselors
who will have the same passion that Julie has demonstrated in her professional and
volunteer work throughout her career. This collective effort resulted in a very large
contribution that will make an impact. But, all of the contributions, large and small,
are helping the College of Education meet its mission to prepare professionals that will
serve the community, and we wish to thank and recognize everyone who contributed
during the past year.
NU Foundation Representative
Susan Schnase, Julie Hefflinger and
Counseling Chair Paul Barnes
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RESPONSIBLE citizens
You are not seeing in triplicate! It is Eric Surprenant’s
photo of himself with a message for students
Getting to
Know You
Students in Dr. Sarah Edwards Urban Submersion class get to know the many cultures
and neighborhoods in our city. This summer they became acquainted with each other by
showing what they believed about teaching and learning by sharing a picture of themselves in front of a place in Omaha that had meaning for them.
Our cover photo for this issue of Happenings was the photo presented by Dani Scott.
Dani said, “I chose to take my picture in front of one of the murals that are painted on
the sides of the building in Benson. There are so many murals in my neighborhood and
in Omaha. This location helps me to bring my point across of discovering something new
everyday, whether in the classroom or out.”
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1 6 S U M M E R 2 0 11
RESPONSIBLE citizens
Students working on boxing books contributed for the Cameroon Book Drive
Cameroon
Book Drive
Faculty member and Student Education
Association Nebraska (SEAN) sponsor,
Dr. Willie Austin, was often seen
pushing a large custodial cart full of
books in Kayser Hall and even across
campus in late Spring. SEAN members
were observed on the first f loor of
Kayser Hall packing boxes with books.
A large sign, Cameroon Book Drive,
appeared on the carts that were placed
around the building and the carts
soon filled with donated books.
The action was part of an effort to
collect books for the library of a new
university in Cameroon, Africa. Austin
and the SEAN students are assisting
College of Business Administration
Adjunct Professor Mary Hallin securing
books for the university. Hallin lived in
Cameroon for more than five years, and
on a recent stay in the country became
familiar with the need for books,
academic journals, videos and CDs to
help the new institution get started.
Austin reported in early May that while
the effort is continuing the drive has
already collected and boxed 6,250
books in 125 boxes.
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17
Did You Know
> Andy Rikli (Ed.D., 2007) was
presented an Emerging Leader
Award at the PDK International
Conference held February 17-18,
2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. Rikli is
an Assistant Superintendent with
the Westside Community Schools.
> The Nebraska Economic
Education Project was recognized
by Phi Delta Kappa Chapter 0116 at
its March meeting held at Mahoney
State Park. The award recognized
work in schools throughout the Metro
Omaha area that furthers economic
education. The award was for making
an Outstanding Contribution to
Education. Accepting the award were
Co-Directors, Dr. James Dick (TED)
and Ms. Mary Lynn Reiser (CBA).
> Professor Josie Metal-Corbin
(HPER) has been selected as the 2012
National Dance Association Scholar/
Artist. Professor Metal-Corbin will
deliver a presentation at the 2012
Annual Convention of the American
Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance which will be
held in Boston, March 13-17, 2012.
> Kappan Editor-in-chief, Joan
Richardson, served as the Educational
Administration and Supervision
Department’s Visiting Scholar on
April 19-20, 2011. Richardson joined
the Educational Administration
and Supervision faculty for a
luncheon, spoke to department
graduate students and met with the
Metropolitan Omaha Educational
Consortium’s Staff Development
Task Force. Editor Richardson
encouraged writing for professional
growth and shared what the Kappan
looks for in submitted articles.
> Former UNO Head Athletic Trainer
and alumnus, Denise Fandel (M.S.,
’85) was inducted into the Mid-America
Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA)
District 5 Hall of Fame on Friday,
March 18, 2011 at the association’s
annual meeting and symposium.
Fandel was credited with shaping the
athletic training profession with the
establishment of a credentialing body
that certifies athletic trainers, thus
assuring protection of the public.
Andy Rikli with PDK International President,
Sandee Crowther
> Laura Callahan, received the
Presidential Award for Excellence in
Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Winners of this award receive
$10,000 from the National Science
Foundation and an expense paid
trip to Washington, D.C. Callahan
teaches the Zoo Kindergarten Class
at Bancroft Elementary School in
the Omaha Public Schools. She uses
a regular kindergarten curriculum
with an emphasis on the life
sciences. The zoo location provides
an opportunity to explore many
topics and Callahan calls upon zoo
staff to teach some of the lessons.
Associate Dean, David Conway, presenting the
award for achievement in economic education to
James Dick and Mary Lynn Reiser. Also shown,
PDK President, Steve Joekel.
> Dean Nancy Edick was recognized
as the Honorary Chair of the Habitat
for Humanity of Omaha Power Women
Luncheon on April 28. Edick and
her family have been involved with
Habitat for Humanity Programs.
Edick has provided significant
leadership for Habitat programs.
Dean Nancy Edick with Habitat for
Humanity Director of Development, Carla
Patton
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1 8 S U M M E R 2 0 11
ALUMNI & students
Searching for an Experience
Sara left Omaha for Vietnam after
graduating in May. She arrived in Hanoi
and was taken to the dormitory where
she lived with other volunteers from all
over the world. Her assigned experience
was in a private school that served
Down’s Syndrome children ages three
to twelve.
Sara also working with students in a
government run school in Vietnam
Sara Simmons has always been
interested in Special Education. She
has been a volunteer with the Special
Olympics, she has worked at the Ollie
Webb Center for adults with disabilities,
she has volunteered with Easter Seals,
and as a UNO undergraduate she has
been involved in SCEC (Student Council
for Exceptional Children). This Fall
she will begin her teaching career as a
special education teacher in the Omaha
Public Schools and will work with 18 to
21 year old students who are enrolled in
a transitional program.
Sara was also interested in participating
in a teaching experience in a foreign
country. Her research in seeking such
an experience for this summer led her to
a Love Volunteers program in Vietnam
where she served as a volunteer teacher.
Love Volunteers is a non-profit that
provides volunteering experiences in
developing countries throughout the
world.
She worked with three teachers in a
classroom of fourteen students. Only
one of the teachers spoke any English,
and this teacher was not proficient in
the language. Sara did have the benefit
of three one-half days with a translator
who accompanied her to her school.
The culture in Vietnam was very
different from Sara’s life in the United
States. She learned the educational
programs for children with special
needs are just beginning to be
developed. She was surprised at the
cultural differences that support the use
of force by teachers.
Sara was also able to visit a government
run school on three occasions that
served children in a multi-categorical
program. She found the resources and
environment in the government school
to be much different from the private
school.
The lack of traffic lights and traffic
laws, and the large number of
people and vehicles on the streets,
made getting to other locations very
challenging. Sara did not drive while in
Vietnam, but she learned that you could
not cross a street if you waited for the
traffic to clear.
Sara remained healthy during her three
week experience, but was not fond of
the food. All meals included rice, and
she noted she made sure to only drink
bottled water.
She is now anxious to begin her
teaching career, but will seek similar
experiences in other countries, probably
Mexico, in the future. She recommends
other students and graduates do the
same.
Taking an
Adventure
with Crosby
Brian Crosby (HPER, B. S.
2007) has been taking people on
adventures. Alaska, the Yukon,
Yellowstone and the Tetons, the
Boundary Waters, the Grand
Canyon, Southern Utah, and
the Cascade Mountains in the
Northwest have been destinations
that Crosby has served as a
wilderness guide. He is now moving
on to a different kind of adventure.
He will be working in the
Therapeutic Recreation
Department at the Bend Parks and
Recreation District in Oregon.
Crosby will be joining a department
that received the National Gold
Medal Award for Excellence in
Park and Recreation management.
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Helping Those Who have Served
It has always been there. Soldiers who
served in wars, and other individuals
who were in dramatic periods of
potential harm, experienced persistent
thoughts and memories about the often
extended dangerous situations they
endured. But, we didn’t hear much
about PTSD until after soldiers returned
from Vietnam. The name given to this
condition has now become well known—
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Scott Anderson, a student in the
graduate counseling program and the
chief executive officer of an advertising
agency, has taken the initiative to
develop a program that provides
services for active veterans with PTSD
and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It
began when Anderson learned that a
very low number of veterans involved in
the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq sought
treatment for their symptoms. He found
there was a stigma against admitting to
the conditions. Anderson then became
motivated to work toward developing a
program for these persons in the armed
services and their families.
Anderson felt he did not want to create
another non-profit agency requiring
more brick and mortar. So, he sought
out an existing agency that would
be interested in adding a program
for veterans. Bids were solicited and
Lutheran Family Services provided a
bid that was accepted. The program was
named At Ease, and is administered
from offices located in the Bellevue
office of Lutheran Family Services at
730 Fort Crook Road North.
Confidential, individualized counseling
programs for active military
personnel and their loved ones are
provided regardless of ability to
pay. Participation in the program is
anonymous. Specially trained therapists
provide the services.
Telehealth sessions are also used to
serve veterans and their loved ones
living in greater Nebraska. These
sessions are delivered confidentially
through Adobe Connect. Some clients
using Telehealth may also include
veterans living in the Metropolitan
Omaha area whose disability is such
that they refuse to leave their homes.
Over one hundred forty veterans and
family members have been served by the
program. Extensive data is maintained
to determine how effective the program
is for the clients that are served.
Funding for the program has come from
client payments and from foundations
and individual contributions. Major
contributions have been made by the
Mammel Foundation and the Robert
Daugherty Foundation. There has also
been a good response from individuals
who contribute both small and larger
amounts.
Scott Anderson is pleased with the
program results and is optimistic about
the growth and development of the
program. Persons interested in At Ease
can contact At Ease personnel by calling
402.292.9105 or sending an E-mail to
[email protected].
Jami Scott Receives Honor
Jami Scott, a Speech Language Pathology student, recently received national
honors in her major area. She was selected as a recipient of 2011 NSSLHA
(National Student Speech Language Hearing Association) Member Honors.
NSSLHA Member Honors are awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement,
service to the academic unit, professional conduct, and service to NSSLHA.
As a recipient of Member Honors, Jami will receive complimentary registration to
attend the 2011 ASHA Convention in San Diego, CA. She will be formally acknowledged
by her peers at the NSSLHA Luncheon and Awards ceremony at the Convention.
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2 0 S U M M E R 2 0 11
ALUMNI & students
Distinguished Alumni with Dean, (left to right), Dean Nancy Edick, Bob Lykke,
Mary Lykke, Carole Langan, Antje Mefferd, Rebecca Vinton Dorn, Kathy
Solomon, and Thomas Harvey.
23rd Annual
Hollie Bethel
Distinguished Alumni Luncheon
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Unlimited Possibilities
Persons chosen as Distinguished Alumni of the college,
although very different in many ways, have a common reaction
when they are asked what they remember about their college
experience. The common answer? They say they remember the
people more than anything specific about their coursework.
Dr. Antje Mefferd, now a faculty member at Wichita State
University, especially recalled how Dr. Kathy Coufal, then a
college faculty member, had not only helped her in terms of her
academic learning, but also had given her an understanding of
how to develop her career and grow in her profession. Mefferd
further advised current students to “Focus on learning, not
on getting an “A.” Mefferd earned a Master of Arts Degree in
Speech Language Pathology in 2004.
Mr. Thomas Harvey advised students to, “Get your education
early. Believe in the university and what it can do for you.”
Harvey and Mefferd were two of the seven persons honored at
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
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the Annual Hollie Bethel Distinguished Alumni Luncheon that
was held April 13, 2011, at the Thompson Alumni Center.
Harvey received the Distinguished Service Award at the
luncheon, and Mefferd was recognized with the Promising
Professional Award. They were joined by four other individuals
in being honored as Distinguished Alumni. Another, Dr. John
T. Langan, was recognized with the Award of Distinction.
The Award of Distinction had only been given to seven other
individuals in the twenty-three year history of the event.
Langan, the former Dean of the College, passed away in the
summer of 2010.
Harvey is the Assistant Superintendent of Student and
Community Services with the Omaha Public Schools. He
has received many honors in the community including the
Ike Friedman Community Leader Award from the Knights
of AkSarBen, and the Western Heritage Outstanding African
American Award. He earned a Master of Science Degree in
Educational Administration and Supervision in 1973.
Ms. Rebecca Vinton Dorn was also given the Distinguished
Service Award. Vinton Dorn earned her Master of Arts Degree
in Health Education in 1995. She is the Associate Director of
the Wellness Council of the Midlands. Vinton Dorn is involved
in many community health initiatives.
Dr. Kathy Solomon, Mr. Bob Lykke, and Ms. Mary Lykke each
received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Solomon earned
the Master of Science Degree in Counseling in 1982, and the
Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration
and Supervision in 1986. She is a School Counseling Specialist
John Langan with Hollie Bethel
with the Omaha Public Schools and is active in the Nebraska
School Counselors Association.
Bob and Mary Lykke were outstanding educators in the Millard
Public Schools; and now in retirement they continue to have
an impact in the community by their extensive volunteer work
in the schools, by helping the elderly, and by contributing both
time and money to help students in many ways.
Bob earned his Master of Science Degree in Teacher Education
from the college in 1976. Lykke finished his career at Millard as
principal at Andersen Middle School. He carved a reputation as
an authority in middle school education and was the President
of the Nebraska Middle School Association. Mary Lykke earned
her Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education in 1983.
Granting Dr. John T. Langan the Award of Distinction
recognized his over forty year involvement with the college
beginning as a student, serving as a faculty member, being the
first Director of the Office of Student Services, leading as the
Department Chair of Teacher Education, and then serving as
Dean of the College. Langan also served on the Omaha Public
Schools Board of Education for fourteen years, seven of those
years as President of the Board.
The annual luncheon is a celebration of the contribution of
our alumni and community leaders. One hundred forty-eight
alumni have now been recognized as Distinguished Alumni
over a period of twenty-three years. There have been eight
individuals given the Award of Distinction.
Antje Mefferd, John Hill, and Kathy Coufal
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S U M M E R 2 0 11
ALUMNI & students
Alumni Receive Award Recognition
Eight College of Education alumni were recognized as outstanding teachers by the Alice Buffett Outstanding
Teaching Awards, given to Omaha Public Schools teachers; the Millard Public Schools Foundation
Awards of Excellence, given to Millard Public Schools teachers; and the Phillip and Terri Schrager
Foundation Distinguished Teaching Awards, given to Westside Community Schools teachers.
The alumni recognized included:
> Bob Brousek , BSED & MS Westside Community Schools
> Angela Meyer, MS Omaha Public Schools
> Jan Haun, BS Omaha Public Schools
> Cynthia S. Perry, MS Westside Community Schools
> Darren Holley, BS & MS Omaha Public Schools
> Gregory Sand, MS Omaha Public Schools
> Elaine Lamberty, MS Millard Public Schools
> Anton Schmidt , BA Omaha Public Schools
We wish to congratulate these winners and recognize them for excellence
in teaching children in our Metropolitan Omaha area.
Undergraduate Major Award Winners
Twelve students were recognized as Undergraduate Major Award Winners during
the annual Honors Week in April. The students included:
> Patricia Finks Elementary Education/Intermediate
> Colleen Snoza Physical Education/Exercise Science
> Rayna Fleming Secondary Education
> Tricia Steinkraus Speech-Language Pathology
> Allison Frantz Recreation Therapy
> Carrie Thelen Elementary Education/Early Childhood
> Nicole Gaughan Health Education
> Nolan Urban Elementary Education/
> Brooke Groteluschen Physical Education/Athletic Training
> Hilary Horvatic Physical Education Teacher Preparation
Interdisciplinary Studies
> Amy Wieczorek Community Health Education
> Meaghan Maher Elementary Education/Special Education
> Zuhra Sahaq Secondary Education/ESL
These students were nominated by faculty members and approved by the department and the Dean as
students who excelled in their academic and extracurricular activity performance during the year.
> Colleen Snoza was selected as the College of Education Dean’s Award Winner.
COLLEGE of EDUC AT ION
Recent Grad
Earns Fulbright
Neil Huben, a Spring 2011 College of Education graduate, has received a Fulbright
Scholar grant. Neil will use the grant to conduct research at Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki, Greece, during the next academic year. His research will examine the
effects of visual and auditory stimulation on postural sway and balance. The project
aims to develop a rehabilitative method to aid in motor relearning in individuals
suffering from functional impairments as the result of Parkinson’s disease.
Huben expressed his excitement for “such a wonderful opportunity” and thanked
his UNO professors Nick Stergiou and Sara Myers. Before leaving for Greece, he
will continue his research in the UNO Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility. He
plans to spend additional time studying the scientific literature relative to his
Fulbright research proposal and will continue studying the Greek language.
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C O L L E G E o f E D U C A T I O N | S U M M E R 2 0 11
Happenings
in this
issue
Page 4 | Service and Learning
Over the past year over 270 individuals (or
clients) were served in one of the College of Education clinics that provide quality services at a low
cost.
Page 6 | The College Loses 178 Years of Experience
Seven College
of Education faculty members with degrees from universities in ten different states ranging from
the southwest to the northeast and who had a collective 178 years of experience at UNO retired at
the end of the year.
Page 20 | Distinguished Alumni
Persons chosen as Distinguished Alumni of
the college, although very different in many ways, have a common reaction when they are asked
what they remember about their college experience.
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